AP World Best Prompts

Cultural Change

Transformations in the beliefs, customs, and social practices of a society.

Religious Syncretism

The blending of different religious beliefs and practices.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion and the possibility of salvation for all beings.

Theravada Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that focuses on individual enlightenment and strict adherence to the original teachings of Buddha.

Confucianism

A philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing moral integrity and social harmony.

Sufism

A mystical Islamic belief and practice focusing on the inward search for God and shunning materialism.

Cosmopolitan Cities

Urban areas characterized by the presence of multiple cultures and ethnicities.

Silk Road

An ancient network of trade routes connecting Asia with the Mediterranean.

Taxation

The process by which governments impose financial charges on individuals or entities.

Pax Mongolica

A period of peace and stability in Eurasia initiated by the Mongol Empire.

Yam Postal System

A relay system established by the Mongols for transporting messages and goods.

Tribute System

A system where smaller states pay monetary tribute to a dominant empire or state.

Ethnic Distinctness

Differences in cultural identity and social structures between various ethnic groups.

Grand Canal

A series of waterways in China that facilitated trade and resource movement.

Caste System

A hierarchical social stratification system based on birth, occupation, and social class.

Religious Tolerance

The acceptance and allowance of different religious beliefs and practices.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that promotes government regulation of a nation’s economy for augmenting state power.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes connecting sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa and beyond across the Sahara Desert.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation.

Natural Rights

The fundamental rights inherent to all human beings, often expressed as life, liberty, and property.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Metropolitan Centers

Major urban areas that serve as the primary economic, cultural, and political hubs.

Industrialization

The process of transforming economies from primarily agrarian to industrial.

Socialism

An economic system advocating for collective or government ownership of production and distribution.

Proletariat

The working-class people in a capitalist society, particularly those who do not own the means of production.

Revolutionary Movements

Collective efforts to overthrow an existing government or political system.

Urbanization

The increasing population of cities as people migrate from rural to urban areas.

Class Consciousness

Awareness of one's social class and its societal implications.

Factory System

A method of manufacturing using machinery and division of labor.

Transatlantic Trade

The trade of goods, people, and cultures across the Atlantic Ocean.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating from India, characterized by a variety of beliefs, practices, and philosophies.

Ottoman Empire

A powerful empire that spanned Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa from the 14th to the early 20th century.

Silk Production

The process involving the cultivation of silkworms and the production of silk textile.

European Expansion

The period of exploration and colonization of various territories by European powers.

Cultural Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Empire

An extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority.